3YA Musical and Dramatic Committee

Radio Record, Volume IV, Issue 32, 20 February 1931, Page 5

3YA Musical and Dramatic Committee

-- wesw Economic Talks : A meeting of the 8YA Musical and Dramatic Committee was held on Wednesday, February 4, Mr. T. Ww. Dent (representing . the Orchestral Society) presiding. There were _ also present: Mr. W. H. Dixon (Royal Musical Society), Mr. kk J. Loughman (Male Voice Choir),/Mr. S$. Williamson (Professional ‘usicians), Dr. F. A’Court (Harmonic Society), Mr. J. Mackenzie (Station Director), and Mr. OG. §. Booth (Administration Office). Before commencing business a resolution expressing sympathy with the sufferers in the earthquake was carried. ; The work of the station, and of the other New Zealand stations, was reviewed. Mr. Mackenzie stated that up to: date, eleven open-air concerts had peen held by 8YA, with satisfactory ~ results. They were widely appreciated by the public and they broadcast well, although the people attending the con- | certs frequently had some difficulty in hearing the vocalists. As a result, the amount of instrumental music had been increased and the vocal reduced. The open-air concerts now also concluded at 9.30 p.m, and were followed by half an hour’s gramophone recital from the studio. The committee gave some attention to talks, particularly such talks as would be appropriate to the present time. It was suggested that talks by recognised economic" authorities, explaining to people the nature of the slump and how the economic situation will right itself, would help materially . to lift people out of their state of mental depression and infuse a spirit of optimism. A recommendation to this effect was passed and the names of several speakers were suggested. gt... ™»

Tt was announced that af Siticu Hill programme would be presented on March 5, provided all the music is procurable. The question of the Broadcasting Gompany’s Subsidy scheme was referred to and much approval expressed. Mr. Dixon: "From our point of view we have been very glad of the opportunity of interesting the people by broadeasting, and also the assistance financially has been very acceptable. I am quite sure, as far as we are concerned that it will do a great service if it is continued. Mr. Williamson and I mentioned in the paper last week how helpful the Company had been with their subsidy, in assisting us not only in educating the people musically but also in helping the local organisations." Chairman: "Speaking for the Orchestral Society, I may say that if it had not been for the Broadcasting Company, we would have been in the bankruptey court, if it is possible for a society to be so." .